Cartilage

Cartilage is a type of connective tissue with unique properties. While it is often associated with joints, the body contains various types of cartilage. For example, the auricle, the tip of the nose, and the larynx are also composed of cartilage. In this article, we will primarily focus on cartilage in joints.

The cartilage in joints is the layer on the ends of bones that meet in a joint. Together with the synovial fluid, this layer ensures that the bones glide smoothly over each other.

Development of cartilage

Cartilage is produced during the years of growth. The amount of loading during growth determines the thickness of the cartilage for the rest of life. It is therefore important to load the cartilage during growth by moving and playing sports. Cartilage can become a few millimetres to well over half a centimetre thick.

Functions of cartilage

Cartilage has several functions such as: reducing friction between the bone ends, distributing compressive load over the entire bone (shock absorption), and protecting the bone ends.

Cartilage is resilient and able to deform. After loading, the cartilage returns to its original shape, like a sponge. Because of these properties, cartilage is extremely suitable for absorbing compressive forces on the joint. Cartilage consists largely of water, which provides the ability to regain its shape. Cartilage is not supplied with blood vessels, lymph vessels, or nerve fibres. This means that when it is damaged, it can no longer heal. Blood supply is essential for the repair of damaged tissue. Over the course of life, cartilage decreases in quality and thickness; this is called osteoarthritis.

Nutrition of cartilage

Cartilage has no blood supply but can be supplied with nutrients through loading (compression). Under load, the cartilage compresses, squeezing waste products out of the cartilage. When the load is removed, there is room again to take up water, oxygen, and nutrients. It is therefore important to load and unload cartilage. In this way, the cartilage extracts the nutrients from the synovial fluid. The fluid is continuously refreshed by movement of the joints. It is important to keep moving, even when the cartilage is damaged. Movement prevents deterioration of the remaining healthy cartilage. Do you have pain when moving due to damaged cartilage? Then contact a physiotherapist near you for advice.